Page 2 of Lady of Shadows

“Normally both parties choose the Mark,” Briar proceeded cautiously.

“She is not normal,” Sorin replied simply.

“Clearly.” When silence filled the space again, Briar said, “Sorin, who is she?”

Sorin opened his eyes and found his friend watching him carefully. He snapped a shield into place around his quarters. Briar straightened at the action, and Sorin felt an icy shield snap into place as well. After another minute, he took a deep breath before saying, “She is Eliné’s daughter.”

“Bullshit,” Briar exclaimed. “How is that even possible?”

“I have no idea.”

“How can you be sure?”

“I can’t, but she has this,” he held up his right hand that was still adorned by the Semiria ring. He heard Briar swear again. “She also clearly has both fire and water magic. Something unique to Eliné.”

“Who is her father?”

“I have no idea,” Sorin answered. “She doesn’t either. Scarlett didn’t even know she was Fae, let alone that her mother was a queen.”

“Who?”

“Scarlett,” Sorin answered. When Briar continued with the confused look, he added, “The female in my bed.”

“Ah,” Briar said, understanding passing over his face. “So…you brought her here?”

“Where else was I supposed to take her? This is where she belongs. This is her home.”

“Talwyn will be livid,” Briar warned, the ice returning to his fingertips.

“Hence the extra shields,” Sorin muttered.

“Shadows dance around her,” Briar remarked casually.

“That they do.”

“Who are the others? That Cyrus and Rayner escorted to the guest wing?”

“A mortal prince who is in love with the female in my bed and his personal guards,” Sorin answered, his head falling into his hands.

“Because we didn’t have enough drama with Talwyn and Azrael, you decided to bring more?” Briar asked.

Sorin lifted his head from his hands to find Briar smirking at him.

“I am glad you find this so entertaining,” Sorin ground out.

“Is there anything else I should know?” Briar asked.

“Yes, but it can wait until tomorrow. I will tell you everything then. I need to sleep. I haven’t had a proper night’s sleep in three years,” Sorin answered, swiping a hand down his face.

“It shows,” Briar quipped.

Sorin glared at his friend, throwing him another vulgar gesture.

“Send word if you need me,” Briar said, standing from the couch, and stretching his arms above his head. “Although maybe use a fire message rather than your damn bird.”

Sorin chuckled and stood himself, facing Briar. “Thank you.”

Briar clasped him on the shoulder. “Welcome home, Aditya. It’s good to have you back.”

---